A New Playground for Ongar – Building a Brighter Future

There is a real sense of excitement in Ongar at the moment as work begins on a brand-new playground for our community. For years, families have wished for more safe and fun spaces for children to play, and now, that dream is becoming a reality. The new playground is not just about swings and slides; it represents an important step forward in making Ongar a more welcoming, inclusive, and family-friendly place to live.

Why a Playground Matters

Playgrounds are often thought of as simple spaces for children, but in reality, they bring so much more to a community. For children, they offer a safe environment to run, climb, and explore. Outdoor play supports both physical health and mental wellbeing, helping young people to build social skills, confidence, and friendships. In a world where screens so often dominate, having a safe and engaging outdoor space encourages children to get fresh air and exercise.

For parents and families, playgrounds provide a much-needed meeting point. They become places where neighbours get to know each other, where conversations spark between parents, and where community bonds strengthen. Playgrounds also add to the identity of an area. They are a visible sign of investment, care, and forward planning – a space that shows the community is valued and growing.

The Vision for Ongar’s Playground

This new project will deliver a modern playground designed with safety, inclusivity, and sustainability in mind. From the plans we’ve seen, the playground will include:

• A wide variety of play equipment suitable for different age groups, from toddlers to older children.

• Inclusive features so that children of all abilities can take part in the fun. This is a key aspect, as play should be for everyone.

• Durable, eco-friendly materials that will ensure the equipment lasts while also reducing environmental impact.

• Plenty of green landscaping, meaning the playground will not just be fun but also beautiful, fitting seamlessly into Ongar’s wider tidy towns vision.

As part of Ongar Tidy Towns, we are especially pleased to see how much thought has gone into creating a space that reflects our community’s values. We are committed to making Ongar greener, cleaner, and more welcoming, and this playground project is perfectly in line with that mission.

The Benefits for Ongar

The arrival of this new playground will mean so much for the people who live here. It will:

• Give children a safe space to play away from busy roads and traffic.

• Encourage outdoor activity, which is vital for health and happiness.

• Support families, making Ongar an even more attractive place to raise children.

• Create a new meeting point for neighbours and friends, helping community spirit to thrive.

• Add value to the area, as well-maintained public spaces make Ongar a more desirable place to live.

In many ways, the playground is not just for children – it is for everyone. Even those without young families will benefit from the sense of community it brings. A lively, happy, and active space adds to the overall atmosphere of the area.

Progress and Next Steps

Construction has already started, and residents may have noticed the work being carried out on the site. Over the coming weeks, we will see the space take shape, with equipment installed and the surrounding landscape prepared.

Ongar Tidy Towns will be keeping a close eye on developments. We plan to share regular updates on our blog and Facebook page, including photographs of the work as it progresses. Once the playground is completed, we hope to mark the occasion with a community celebration. After all, this project belongs to everyone in Ongar – it is something we can all be proud of.

How You Can Get Involved

This is a wonderful moment for Ongar, but it is also a reminder of how much can be achieved when a community works together. Ongar Tidy Towns is always looking for new volunteers to help keep our area looking its best. From litter picks to planting flowers, from supporting local projects to promoting sustainability, every little bit makes a difference.

If you would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you. You can contact us at Ongartidytowns@gmail.com or find us on Facebook to see our latest updates. 

Whether you have an hour a week or an hour a month, your support will help us to continue building a better Ongar for everyone.

Looking Ahead

The new playground is only one piece of Ongar’s future, but it is an important one. It represents investment in young people, in families, and in community spirit. It shows that Ongar is a place that values its residents, cares about quality of life, and is willing to invest in public spaces.

As the playground takes shape, we look forward to the day when the laughter of children fills the air, when parents meet for chats on the benches, and when neighbours come together in a shared space designed for joy. This is not just a playground – it is the heart of a growing, thriving Ongar.

Together, we are building more than play equipment. We are building memories, connections, and a brighter future.

Join Us This Sunday for an Hour of Power! 💪🗑️

 

Join Us This Sunday for an Hour of Power! 💪🗑️

Ongar residents, it's time to come together once again and show our love for our local community! This Sunday at 10:30 AM, we’re calling on all friends, neighbours, families and volunteers to join Ongar Tidy Towns for our next big Litter Pick.

Let’s meet at the Basketball Courts in Ongar Village and take part in what we like to call an Hour of Power – just 60 minutes of positive action to help make Ongar a cleaner, safer and more beautiful place to live.

It might not seem like much, but an hour really can make a world of difference. Whether it’s discarded takeaway wrappers, forgotten drink bottles, or bits of plastic hiding in the bushes – every piece of rubbish we collect is one less blight on our streets and green spaces.

Why get involved?
Because this isn’t just about picking up litter. It’s about community pride, meeting like-minded neighbours, and showing younger generations the value of looking after where we live. It's also a great way to get some fresh air, light exercise, and good craic – all while doing something amazing for Ongar.

And there’s more! Our Litter Picks are just one part of what Ongar Tidy Towns does. From fundraising projects and community planting to our anti-graffiti campaigns and public awareness drives, we’re working all year round to promote pride in our area. Every bag filled on Sunday helps our entry in the national Tidy Towns competition too – and with your help, we can make Ongar shine even brighter!

All ages are welcome – we’ll provide gloves, bags, and litter pickers. Just bring comfy shoes and a smile!

So set your alarms and gather your gang – see you this Sunday at 10:30 AM at the Basketball Courts for a feel-good Hour of Power that really matters.

Let’s keep Making Ongar a Beautiful Place to Live – one piece of litter at a time!

For any queries or to get involved in future events, drop us an email at ongartidytowns@gmail.com.

 We’d love to hear from you!

#OngarTidyTowns #HourOfPower #CommunityPride #KeepOngarBeautiful #VolunteerPower #TidyTownsIreland

New Bins Installed Beside the Dog Run – A Small Victory for a Cleaner, Greener Community! 🐶🗑️

New Bins Installed Beside the Dog Run – A Small Victory for a Cleaner, Greener Community! 🐶🗑️

We’re absolutely delighted to share some good news from our local area – new bins have finally been installed beside the dog run, thanks to the continued support and action from Fingal County Council. For many dog owners and park visitors, this has been a long-awaited addition, and we couldn't be happier to see it in place.

The dog run has always been a popular and well-used feature of our community. It’s a place where dogs can enjoy a bit of freedom, and owners can connect and chat in a safe, open space. However, without a nearby bin, it often meant carrying waste bags a long way or worse—waste left behind.

With the new bins now in place, we expect to see a noticeable improvement in cleanliness and hygiene around the area. This isn’t just a win for dog lovers—it's a win for the entire community, promoting a cleaner and more responsible environment for all park users.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Fingal County Council for responding to requests and ensuring that public spaces are being properly maintained. Credit also goes to our active local residents who consistently report issues, propose improvements, and work together through community groups like Ongar Tidy Towns.

Let’s continue to take pride in our shared spaces by using the new bins responsibly, picking up after our pets, and encouraging others to do the same. Small actions really do make a big difference.

Here’s to many more positive changes around Ongar and beyond!

#FingalCountyCouncil #OngarTidyTowns #CleanCommunity #DogFriendlySpaces #GreenerFuture #CommunityMatters #LocalWins #TidyTownsIreland

We applied for funding and it's been awarded

We applied for funding and it's been awarded

Ongar Tidy Towns – Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Initiative

Ongar Tidy Towns is launching an enhanced Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Initiative to protect and uplift our village environment. This initiative combines regular community clean-ups, targeted prevention strategies, and public education to address ongoing litter and graffiti issues, while promoting a sense of shared responsibility and civic pride.

We organise monthly litter picks involving volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. These events bring together residents, families, youth groups, and schools in a joint effort to keep Ongar clean. To support and expand these efforts, we plan to purchase a litter dust-cart – a mobile cart that will help us collect and transport rubbish more efficiently. This will allow our teams to cover larger areas during clean-ups while reducing physical strain on volunteers.

Educational outreach is central to our approach. Through collaboration with local schools, we will deliver anti-litter lessons, environmental workshops, and competitions. Students will create posters and awareness messages that will be displayed in public areas and on social media. This youth-led advocacy helps create positive habits and builds a strong foundation for long-term environmental stewardship.

 

Graffiti Management Approach

While Ongar Tidy Towns will not undertake graffiti removal directly due to material restrictions, we will actively support Fingal County Council’s efforts by promptly reporting all incidents. Volunteers will monitor known hotspots during clean-ups and submit detailed reports with photos and locations to aid swift removal. Where appropriate, we will work with local artists and youth groups to propose mural projects that discourage tagging and encourage community pride. We are committed to lasting change through teamwork, education, and practical solutions that make Ongar a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming place for all.

Greener Together:

Greener Together: How Ongar Residents Are Creating a Cleaner Community

At Ongar Tidy Towns, we believe that small actions can lead to big change. Over the past few months, we've seen a remarkable rise in local pride and environmental awareness, all thanks to the growing number of residents stepping up to make a difference. Whether it’s picking up litter, planting pollinator-friendly flowers, or reporting illegal dumping, our community is becoming a cleaner, greener place to live—together.

The recent community clean-up days have seen strong participation from families, youth groups, and local businesses. It's heartening to witness people of all ages uniting to tidy up our green spaces, playgrounds, and footpaths. With gloves on and litter pickers in hand, our volunteers are helping to restore the beauty of Ongar one bag at a time.

We’ve also partnered with Fingal County Council to ensure proper disposal of waste and to raise awareness about recycling and waste reduction. Thanks to this partnership, we now have clearer signage around recycling points and more accessible bins placed in high-traffic areas.

Gardening initiatives have also blossomed this spring. The Ongar Pollinator Project—launched earlier this year—has led to the planting of native wildflowers and bee-friendly shrubs in key locations. Not only do these projects add colour and life to our neighbourhood, but they also support biodiversity and strengthen our local ecosystems.

As we move into summer, we encourage all residents to get involved. Whether it's joining our monthly clean-up, reporting graffiti, or simply making the choice to recycle at home, every effort matters. Together, we are shaping Ongar into a model suburb for sustainable urban living.

If you'd like to volunteer, donate materials, or suggest a project idea, please reach out through our social media or contact page. Let’s keep Ongar beautiful for today and for future generations.

#OngarTidyTowns #KeepOngarBeautiful #CommunityCleanup #GreenOngar #SustainableLiving #FingalPride #PollinatorFriendly #EcoOngar #LoveWhereYouLive

Litter Picking in Ongar: A Call for More Bins and Better Habits

 

This morning, our dedicated Ongar Tidy Towns volunteers were back out doing what we do best—working hard to keep our community clean and beautiful. While we always enjoy coming together and making a difference, today's litter pick raised some ongoing concerns that we feel need to be addressed.

One of the most pressing issues we noticed is the continuing problem of illegal dumping. Since the council moved the public bins from their original locations, we’ve observed a worrying trend: people are still dumping rubbish in the exact same spots where the bins used to be. It’s as if the habit of dropping waste there hasn’t changed—only now, there’s no bin to collect it, so the area looks worse than ever.

We believe this clearly shows a need for more bins, not fewer. Strategically placed bins in high-traffic areas help encourage responsible disposal of waste. Without them, it’s only natural that rubbish builds up, which leads to not only an eyesore but also an invitation for further dumping. It sends the wrong message about the kind of community we want Ongar to be.

Today’s litter pick took us around Ongar Playground, one of the most popular and well-loved parts of our neighbourhood. Sadly, we found a significant amount of litter, including old shopping bags, discarded coffee cups, wrappers, and bits of broken packaging. Some of it had blown into the bushes, while other rubbish was left right by the benches and playground equipment. This isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s also a safety concern for children and families who use the space every day.

We’re calling on local residents to please be mindful of where you leave your waste. If there isn’t a bin nearby, take it home. Better yet, if you see litter, pick it up. These small actions really do make a big difference.

To the local authorities, we respectfully urge you to review the decision to remove or relocate the bins. Let’s look at installing additional bins in key areas like near bus stops, shops, and public parks where rubbish tends to collect. A cleaner Ongar is a shared responsibility, but we need the right infrastructure in place to support good behaviour.

To everyone who came out today—thank you. Your time and effort are what keep Ongar looking its best. We’ll be back out again soon, and we encourage anyone who wants to get involved to join us.

Let’s work together to make litter a thing of the past in Ongar!

#OngarTidyTowns #LoveWhereYouLive #LitterFreeOngar #Dublin15 #CommunityCleanUp #OngarPlayground #StopIllegalDumping #MoreBinsPlease #TidyTownsIreland #KeepOngarClean #LocalHeroes #VolunteeringMatters

Car Park Clean-Up at Dunnes Stores – Thank You!

 

Car Park Clean-Up at Dunnes Stores – Thank You!

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the successful clean-up at the Dunnes Stores car park in Ongar, and we’d like to extend a big thank you to the management company responsible for acting so quickly once we raised the issue.

Last week, several concerned residents alerted Ongar Tidy Towns about a growing litter issue around the car park near Dunnes Stores. Overflowing bins, loose packaging, discarded coffee cups, and food wrappers were blowing across the parking spaces, creating an unsightly and potentially hazardous environment for shoppers and visitors.

As a community group committed to maintaining a clean and welcoming Ongar, we reached out directly to the property management team for the retail area. To their credit, they responded within 24 hours. On-site staff arrived promptly with cleaning equipment and removed all the scattered waste. The bins were also emptied and secured to prevent future overflow.

This is a great example of how communication and collaboration between community volunteers and local stakeholders can bring about positive, visible change. The clean-up not only restored a cleaner look to a central shopping hub but also reinforced the importance of shared responsibility in keeping Ongar tidy.

We encourage residents to continue reporting litter issues. Whether it’s near retail outlets, in public parks, or on residential streets, the quicker we act, the easier it is to prevent rubbish from piling up or blowing into nearby green spaces.

Let’s all keep in mind:

• Use bins provided, and if they’re full, take your rubbish home.

• Don’t leave bags or boxes beside bins—they attract pests and wildlife.

• If you see consistent issues, don’t hesitate to report them to Ongar Tidy Towns or directly to Fingal County Council or management companies.

We’re stronger when we work together. Thank you again to the management team at Dunnes Stores, the residents who raised the alarm, and all those who regularly take the time to pick up a stray wrapper or two.

We’ll continue to keep lines of communication open with local businesses to ensure Ongar remains a safe, clean, and attractive place to shop, walk, and enjoy.

#CleanCarPark #OngarRetailCare #ThankYouDunnes #CommunityCleanUp #OngarTidyTowns #LitterFreeOngar #Dublin15 #TidyTogether